The average wedding bouquet costs $150, this can really add up when you add in the bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres and flowers during the reception. We have seen some beautiful bouquets at Chapel in the Pines and we love the way the bouquet expresses a little personality of the bride. The following steps can help you ….

There are plenty of guidelines for the couple to follow to make sure their guests have the time of their life on the special day, but what about the guests? There are definitely some rules to be followed to make sure that you don’t ruin your relationship with the couple or get a bad ….

By Emily Capdevielle It’s the wedding day and there are a million things running through your mind. Are the centerpieces put together correctly? Will I remember my vows? Will I trip and fall over my feet when I’m walking down the aisle? This will be very hard to accept, but no matter how much you ….

Chapel in the Pines horse mural, painted by Dennis in 1978 There was a very unique silo on Howard and Donna Petersen’s property in the country near Sycamore, Illinois that had a space for a nice mural. In the summer of 1978, Dennis, a college student from Minnesota, stopped by on his bicycle looking for ….

By Emily Capdevielle After the ceremony, the only thing on your mind is that you’re now a newlywed! The wedding planning is done and now you’re reaping the benefits of having your now husband by your side and you are absolutely glowing! But wait! Don’t forget to do these important things after the ceremony! 1.) ….

Chapel in the Pines owners, Howard and Donna Petersen, moved to the property in 1978 In 1978, Howard and Donna Petersen moved to the Chapel in the Pines with their two children. The property was not a working farm when it was purchased, and needed a lot of work. Howard liked the house and Donna ….

By Emily Capdevielle Once you get that ring on your finger, you will most likely be at your wedding planning peak, wanting make your own wedding Pinterest board (as if you haven’t already), spreading the word to family and friends and calling around to a million places to set things up for the big day. ….

December 17, 2013 By Emily Capdevielle So, you are engaged and looking at these beautiful wedding gowns and envisioning how amazing you will look on your wedding day…although reality hits and you have a slight meltdown because you realize that your fitness goals now have a set deadline. If you feel like you need to ….

By Emily Capdevielle In the age of Pinterest and other social media outlets, it’s that much easier to get ideas for the ceremony and reception and to know what’s trending. Although those distinctive ideas that you are pinning on your wedding board may not be as unique as you may think. Has Pinterest really created ….

By Emily Capdevielle At this point in your life, you may have attended some weddings as you plan your own. The ceremony is the reason why all of your family and friends gather together to see you and your other half tie the knot…but then what’s after? The party err…the reception. The wedding reception is ….

By Emily Capdevielle Making the guest list and figuring out the wedding reception seating chart will probably be one of the most tedious things to deal with, especially if there are certain family members who don’t exactly get along with one another. We don’t need a food fight to breakout during your reception. There are ….

By Emily Capdevielle Leading up to the actual wedding day, scheduling the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will be on your agenda. Having a thorough rehearsal is vital so no one in the bridal party is questioning where to stand what the timeline is in regards to the ceremony. The chances are slim that everyone in ….

By Emily Capdevielle Thanks to technology today, there are plenty of handy wedding apps and tools to help you plan your big day! Not everyone wants to drag a huge wedding binder around whenever they need to get down to some serious wedding planning business. These days, all of your wedding planning is one touch ….

By Emily Capdevielle Here is something both the bride and groom will definitely enjoy….the cake tasting! Although these days, it’s not unusual for the bridal couple to either have a dessert table or cupcakes in place of a huge wedding cake. Either way, this part of the wedding planning is certainly delicious. There are so many ….

By Emily Capdevielle Hey brides, listen up! Yes, this is your party and you can cry if you want to but hopefully you don’t make your bridesmaids cry with any crazy demands. Let’s face it, your bridesmaids want to be there for you but do they really want to put up with a bridezilla? No. ….

By Emily Capdevielle Creating a wedding registry can be a very daunting task. It’s important to really be organized and not go all scanner-happy when you visit each store you have on the registry list. It is important to sit down with your significant other to decide what items are must-haves or any upgrades you ….

By Emily Capdevielle Depending on where you have your reception, you may not have a choice but to use the in-house caterer. In any event, you do need to consider what kind of food options you will be providing to your guests. If you do not have an option to use an outside caterer, make ….

By Emily Capdevielle In the midst of booking the DJ, photographer, venue, trying on wedding gowns, organizing your wedding party and all of the vital details that come into wedding planning, you can’t forget the more minor details like the wedding favors for your guests! While the wedding favors are not something to fret over, ….

By Emily Capdevielle The spring and summer seasons proves to be the most popular time to get hitched. However, with these two seasons including the peak wedding season months, there are so many factors to consider during the wedding planning aside from the flowers and wedding venue that may influence other crucial wedding decisions like ….

By Emily Capdevielle When you start thinking about planning your wedding and everything that will go into it, going along with a theme will help you adhere to a cohesive style. A theme can also help you tap into your creative mind and get some ideas flowing with the décor for the reception if you ….

By Emily Capdevielle Choosing the types of flowers that will be used for the wedding is another aspect that needs to be carefully planned out since not all types are in season throughout the year. Depending on the theme of the wedding, you may want to choose a certain type of flower over another if ….

By Emily Capdevielle Yes, you are so excited and the first thing you want to do is change that Facebook status to engaged and update the world on all of the wedding planning progress. However, you may want to take several precautions when it comes to sharing things on your social media newsfeeds. When it ….

By Emily Capdevielle As the saying goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…so why not make it even more wonderful by tying the knot with a winter wedding? If you are in the midst of planning a winter wedding, there are some things to consider from the weather to looking into seaso nal ….

By Emily Capdevielle Picking the DJ or band is another vital step in the wedding planning process. Depending on whether you decide to go with a band or DJ, there are quite a few things to consider and bring up while hosting auditions or meeting with potential DJs. Unless you already have a band in ….

By Emily Capdevielle Budgeting for a wedding is one of the hardest things most couples have to deal with these days. Traditionally, the bride’s parents will choose to pick up the tab or shall I say…tab(s) for the wedding ceremony and reception. Although now it is more common for the couple to pay for the ….

By Emily Capdevielle They are not obligatory, but typically, the bride and groom will think of a special gift for the groomsmen and bridesmaids as a thank you for being a part of the wedding. Depending on your group’s tastes or interests one type of gift may be better over another. Gauge their interests and ….

By Emily Capdevielle Planning a wedding isn’t easy and while some brides have been planning their wedding since they were little girls, the grooms may be a little less enthusiastic about a color scheme or the boutonnières for their tuxes. Although they may not be literally jumping up and down over the invitations or the ….

By Emily Capdevielle Brides love to find a good deal and cut costs where they can and the dress is no exception. If a bride has an eye on an expensive, designer wedding dress it is important to realize that it is indeed an authentic gown from that designer. There are ways to purchase a ….

By Emily Capdevielle Many brides have heard the saying before, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” to represent things that brides usually incorporate to their look on the wedding day as good luck charms. There are many ways to incorporate all of these things for brides who wish to follow this tradition in ….

Finding the wedding photographer is one of the most important things on the to-do list since the photographer enables you to look back on all of your wedding memories for years to come. Anyone can take a picture, but it takes a professional with the right equipment to make sure everything turns out right from ….

By Emily Capdevielle Yes, the “B” word is something all wedding couples dread when it comes to planning their wedding. Brides dream of their picture perfect wedding and hope that one day it may come true. Maybe it is a tropical wedding off a private island in Fiji or maybe in a romantic garden in ….

By Emily Capdevielle There are plenty of things to plan for when it comes to the wedding, but there is one thing that every bride looks forward to checking off the list and that is THE dress. It’s easy to rip out those photos of dresses from the many wedding magazines that are bound to ….

By Emily Capdevielle Planning a wedding can be very stressful especially when you have a timeline to abide by. Sometimes life just doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room to make time for appointments with florists, photographers, shopping for center pieces, DJs, venues and everything else that needs to be planned for a wedding. However, ….

By Emily Capdevielle As a bride, the first thing you think of is who you want to be in your bridal party (which can be a sticky situation). When it comes to planning a wedding, feelings can be hurt and this can be an instance that can cause some rifts between relationships. If you have ….

By Emily Capdevielle According to The Wedding Report, Inc.,U.S.couples spend $25,631 for their wedding on average and the majority of couples spend between $19,223 and $32,039. This does not even account for the cost of the honeymoon! Once that shiny ring makes its way onto a woman’s finger visions of where the ceremony will be, ….

By Emily Capdevielle Bridal shows are usually a bride’s best friend….if you work it right. While brides can take advantage of having so many vendors all in one place to jumpstart the wedding planning, it can be very overwhelming. In order to get the most out of a bridal show experience, there are some tips ….

There is a rich history that surrounds wedding veils. Some say the veil was introduced in ancient Rome, when they believed that evil spirits would be attracted to a bride and the veil would disguise her. Others believe that veils began in medieval times and that the purpose of the veil was to show the ….

When you think of fall, you think of crisp leaves, cinnamon, apples, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving embodies everything that is fall, from the warm colors to the wonderful smells. You may love Thanksgiving, but have you ever thought of making it your wedding theme? Bringing a Thanksgiving flair to your wedding can be done quite ….

You hoped for the engagement, planned the wedding, and waited for the big day to arrive, now it’s here and you may be wondering how you will get everything done. You want to make sure everything is perfect, including yourself, so you may need a little help to keep organized. You need to remember it ….

The wedding bouquet is a wonderful keepsake from your wedding, you carried it down the aisle and held it in your hands as you pledged your love to your soon-to-be husband. It is a wonderful idea to preserve them so you can have them as a memory of your wedding day. Finding the right way ….

The recession (or at least, economic downturn) hasn’t just made everyone tighter with their limited budget, it has radically affected how couples are approaching their wedding day (and honeymoon), according to a FoxBusiness.com report. Gone are the spend-all-without-consequence bridezillas, now replaced with a new age of frugality and smart spending. According to survey by BRIDES magazine ….

Fall weddings are festive, but Halloween Weddings are “spook-tacular”. If you are planning to be married on or near Halloween, and have a Halloween themed wedding, this is for you. Coming up with ideas for a Halloween themed wedding without being cliché or having a scary wedding can be tricky (pun intended), here are some ….

The Mother of the Bride generally gets a starring role in wedding planning, but it is important to remember the Mother of the Groom. Sometimes the Mother of the Groom is forgotten, try to remember that it is her child’s wedding day too. When groom is an only child, or only has brothers, this is ….

When you are planning a wedding the one thing that will help things run smoothly is being organized. This doesn’t mean that problems may not arise; it means that you will be better prepared for them. There are a few tips that will help keep the wedding planning on track. 1. Stay on top of ….

Your wedding day will already be full of love and hopefully romance, but if you want to have an even more romantic wedding you should consider having it outdoors at night. The dim light of dusk will leave you with so many beautiful options for your wedding. The soft glow of candles or hanging lights ….

Deciding to write your own vows is admirable, but now it is time to actually write your vows. It can be difficult to actually sit down and write all the things you feel. This is no time for writers block, you may just need a little help. Here are some ideas, questions, and tips to ….

Writing your own wedding vows is admirable, and it makes your nuptials even more special. If you want to write your own vows there are a few things you should do first. Before you do anything, make sure your wedding officiant will allow you to read your own vows. Some may require you to use ….

There is almost nothing cuter than children dancing at your wedding, but keep in mind it may take a little more effort on your part to keep them happy. If you plan to have children at your wedding and reception there are a few things you need to keep in mind and a few tips ….

Summer is a great time of year to get married, especially if you don’t mind the heat and humidity. Guests who are coming from out of town will appreciate summer nuptials because their children are out of school and it is the perfect excuse for a vacation. The one downfall of a summer wedding is ….

If you plan to have Jr. Bridesmaids or you have been asked to be a Jr. Bridesmaid it is important to know what will be expected of you. A Jr. Bridesmaid title comes with responsibilities. A Junior Bridesmaid is generally between the ages of 9 – 14. She is too old to be a flower ….

It is an honor to be asked to be the Maid or Matron of Honor. Now that you have your role in the wedding party you need to keep in mind all the expectations the bride will have of you. Among the many things you will need to do to help the bride, you will ….

When it comes to your wedding you want everything to be flawless, especially the way you look. Technology is making it even easier for you with an iPhone app to help you find the perfect hairstyle for your wedding. This amazing app has 100s of wedding hairstyle photos; it can also connect you with other ….

If you are engaged to be married and trying to find a way to save money on your wedding, you should consider eloping. The option of flying away to get married isn’t a possibility for everyone, so you should consider somewhere local, like Chapel in the Pines. The Chapel in the Pines specializes in traditional ….

Finding the perfect floral arrangement for a spring and summer wedding is easy, but if you are getting married in the fall you may have to put a little more thought in to it. Trying to find flowers that will reflect fall but still look elegant can require a little more effort. You want your ….

Getting married is a very exciting time in your life, as you plan your wedding you don’t want to forget to get your marriage license. If you are getting married you need a marriage license to make it legal. You may be unsure as to what is needed to obtain a marriage license so we ….

Your guests have traveled from near, and far to celebrate your wedding. Some guests may have brought gifts, and other may have given you the gift of money to help you start your marital journey. The only appropriate way to say thank you, is with a thank you card. Here are a few tips to ….

There are so many fun trends that you can implement into your fall wedding, from brown roses, to pine cones, but one of the best has to be the fall wedding cake trend. Your cake doesn’t have to be traditional, in fact why should it be? You can blame this trend on William and Kate’s ….

If you are planning to spend the rest of your life with one person, that first means planning your proposal. Your proposal needs to be special, and maybe something that is unique to who you are as a couple. Figuring out the best way to propose can be a little stressful, but once she says ….

Finding the perfect wedding dress isn’t the same for everyone, and it shouldn’t be. It should be about finding your perfect wedding dress, the dress that is perfect for you, not necessarily the trendiest or the most expensive. Every women has their own vision of what their wedding dress should look like, it may even ….

The fall is a great time of year for a wedding, especially if you are hoping to have a wedding full of nature. There are so many wonderful fall decorations that can be found right outside your door. You can find lovely options to decorate your wedding venue as well as your reception venue and ….

When you start to think about being married, naturally you think of wedding bands, they make the announcement that you are taken. You want to make sure they are just right for both of you, so you both feel comfortable wearing your ring all the time. There are a few things you need to think ….

This fall you will be seeing some new ideas when it comes to weddings. Not necessarily the same things, this year individuality is becoming a trend. It is hard to imagine that being individual could be a trend, but it is. Brides and Grooms are doing what they want, they are making their wedding their ….

A guestbook is a wonderful memento of your wedding, but if you just have a book you might store it in a box and only pull it out on special occasions. If you want a unique wedding book idea, or a guestbook you can display year round, you have come to the right place. We ….

Planning your wedding is fun, but sometimes it can get just a little too serious and you may need a day to unwind. Sometimes you need a cinematic escape, so plan a day to relax with bridesmaids or your groom to kick back and watch some, or all of these great wedding movies. There is ….

Fall is a magical time of year, and when you combine fall with a wedding you are bound to have an enchanting event. The weather is crisp and cool and the leaves turn stunning shades of red, orange, yellow before they float to the ground to create a canvas of wonderful colors. Is there a ….

Spending most of your life married to the one you love is an achievement that few will accomplish. In fact according to census statistics approximately only 5% of married couples will make it to 50 years of marriage. Devoting half a century to one person is an incredible statement about the joys of marriage and ….

Getting married is exhilarating, all the planning, and dreaming, and it is finally happening. You want to make sure your wedding day is perfect, and that your marriage is successful. You have followed all the rules, something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Now it’s time to say “I do!”. If you are ….

A wedding reception will be full of fun, laughter, dancing and good times. It will also be full of people who don’t know each other. There is no better way to break the ice between the guests than a few games. You want the games to be fun without being demanding. Giving the guests something ….

When you start planning your wedding all kinds of ideas go through your head. You think of weddings you have been to, photos in magazines, cakes you have seen online and you think of all the dreams you have had. It is time to organize all your thoughts, and create a vision board. That might ….

Getting married is one of the most important moments of your life. You don’t have to have a perfect wedding to have a wonderful marriage. Your wedding day is one day, your marriage is forever. Marriage is work, just like everything else in life, but if know what to focus on, and what to ignore ….

If you have a child or children there is nothing you want more than to make sure they always feel special and taken care of. On your big day you will still be worrying about making sure they are happy and included. If the children are from a previous relationship of yours, the grooms, or ….

Having a color themed wedding/reception could be just what you were looking for. If you have a favorite color and you want to make that your wedding theme, go right ahead. The best part, you don’t have to choose just one shade. There are lots of ways to use color at your wedding, from invitations, ….

Finding the right engagement ring is almost as important as finding the right person to spend the rest of your life with. If you are trying to find your perspective fiancé an engagement ring, and keep the proposal a surprise, you may need a little help. When you begin the search for the engagement ring, ….

April showers may bring May flowers, but that doesn’t mean you want rain if your wedding is in April, or any other month. Although it is said that rain on your wedding day is good luck, it could still be a lot to cope with rain on your big day. Most couples dream of a ….

Brides often think of a white wedding dress as a given, but it doesn’t have to be. Some brides want to branch out and wear a colored wedding dress, they just aren’t sure if it is appropriate. The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress began in 1840 when Queen Victoria wore a white wedding ….

Being asked to stand up in a wedding is an honor, being asked to be the best man is an even greater honor. Your friend/brother/father/son is getting married and they want you to be standing by their side when they say “I do”. The title best man comes with its own list of responsibilities; one ….

If you are getting married you surely have a list of all the things that need to get done, and finding a wedding caterer may be on that list. You need to hire a wedding caterer 6 – 12 months in advance, so that means you need to be prepared with questions to ask your ….

The shoes you are going to wear for your wedding are an important choice in wedding planning. There are a few things you need to consider before you start selecting your shoes. You will want your bridal shoes to be special, you will also want them to be comfortable, and you may also choose to ….

If you are looking for the perfect rustic touch for your wedding, look no further, burlap is just what you need. Burlap is a nice neutral, earthy fabric, and the texture will surely enhance your wedding. You may be thinking that burlap could be a bit to rugged and rough for your wedding, if that ….

You will always have memories of your wedding day, but there is no better way to trigger a memory than a beautiful photo. Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so make sure you love them. Get creative with your photos, if you have an idea, share it with your wedding photographer. They may be ….

When you get married it means you are in store for a few parties, an engagement party, a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, and last but not least, your wedding reception. It can get confusing as to who is to do what, but here is a little help, well at least in the bridal shower ….

When you are asked to be a guest at a wedding you feel honored to be a part of such a special moment. You want to give a gift that the couple will love, something they appreciate and will enjoy for years. Giving a great gift seems easy, but it may not be for everyone. ….

If you are wondering what some potential triggers for pre-wedding fights could be, you have come to the right place. Like we said in part 1, arguments are not new, lots of couples go through the same things while they plan their wedding. Here are the top triggers for quarrels while planning a wedding, and ….

Your wedding bouquet will lead the way down the aisle, so make sure it is as much of a show stopper as you will be. Your bouquet will also be a wonderful memento of your wedding, one that will more than likely become a decoration in your home. Your bouquet should reflect your style just ….

Planning your wedding should be all sunshine and daisies, but as you begin planning yours, you may see that isn’t always true. Your wedding is a major event in your life, they are wonderful but they can cause some stress. Your engagement may be full of more bickering than fun sometimes, there may be some ….

Wedding traditions, customs, vows and wardrobes are different around the world, and the cake is no exception. Different countries do things differently, each with a unique twist on a wedding cake. Here is a taste of how different parts of the world take their cake. Bermuda: A small cedar sapling generally sits on top of the ….

Getting creative with your wedding will make it unique, and make it yours. So why not start with one of the first things your guests will see, your invitations? Your wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding, so make sure they fit the theme you are going for. Here are some wonderful ideas to ….

Planning your wedding is exciting, but when it comes to the finances you may have some questions. The best way to get started is for the bride and groom to sit down with a pen, paper and a calculator to figure out how much they want to spend. Before we get started you may need ….

If you are looking for a creative, unique, and eclectic look for your wedding, look no further than your pantry, mason jars or ball jars are the answer. If you are creative and looking to add personal touches to your wedding, this will be perfect for you. Here are a few different ways to use ….

When it comes to planning a wedding there are lots of questions about who is supposed to help with what. Having an idea of what the wedding party should be doing before the wedding, during the wedding, and at the reception may help ease some of their worries, as well as yours. Let the wedding ….

The wedding planning is under control, so now you get to plan your Honeymoon. Planning your honeymoon with an efficient to-do list will make it much easier, and less stressful, after all the whole point of this trip is to unwind. First you need to choose when you want to take your Honeymoon. Right after ….

This is a moment you have been waiting for your entire life, your first dance as husband and wife. Finding the right songs for your wedding reception is important. There are lots of lists with the most popular songs, but those may not be right for you. Trying to find the perfect song can be ….

The last few months before your wedding are stressful and full of things that need to get done. If you have a checklist you will be able to focus on what needs to be done, and allow yourself to enjoy the final month of wedding preparation. A little organization will go a long way in ….

”Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain On Saturday, March 10th 2012 the Sycamore History Museum ….

Having a checklist for your wedding is critical. There are so many things that need to be done, and there is no better way to stay organized. We wanted to help give you some tips for your “to-do” list, so nothing is overlooked. 16 – 9 months before your nuptials: • Start a wedding binder ….

If you are trying to have an eco-friendly wedding, you may have realized it may not always be the easiest. You may have to try harder to find just what you are looking for and maybe even make more pieces for your wedding. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, it just means that every ….

Getting married is exhilarating, all the planning, and dreaming, and it is finally happening. You want to make sure your wedding day is perfect, and that your marriage is successful. You have followed all the rules, something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Now it’s time to say “I do!”. If you are ….

When you hear theme wedding what do you think? Fairy tale wedding? Medieval wedding? Rock and roll wedding? Or do you think, Beach wedding? Christmas wedding? The words “Theme Wedding” can mean so many different things. If you are trying to find a fun theme for your wedding there are so many choices. You could ….

Your guests have arrived to share your special day with you, now you want to send them home with a memory of your wonderful event. How about sweet treats? It may not last forever, but it will leave them with a fond memory. Here are a few delectable treats to send your guests home with: ….

Marriage should be celebrated, especially when you have a successful marriage. Couples want to celebrate, and confirm their love for one another by saying “I do” again. Vow renewal is a symbolic and sentimental ceremony. A wonderful time to renew vows would be for a special wedding anniversary, such as 10th, 25th or 50th. There ….

If you are looking a unique wedding venue, look no further. Amber Pines is located on lush landscaped grounds featuring their very own Victorian wedding chapel, Chapel in the Pines. The wedding chapel was built in the spring of 1994 by Howard Petersen as a 30th anniversary present for his wife. The first year the ….

Aside from giving your bride or groom a lifelong commitment to love, honor and cherish them a tangible gift is also sometimes given on your wedding day. Trying to find the right gift for your bride or for your groom may be tricky. You want it to be special, memorable and as unique as your ….

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what shows someone you love them more than a proposal? If you happen to get engaged on Valentine’s that would make it your “proposalversary” (the anniversary of your proposal). Valentine’s Day is the most popular day to profess your love with an engagement ring. According to the U.S. ….

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, time to get a gift! Here are some ideas to help you find a wonderful gift. Gifts for Him: 1. Make him dinner. The fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Every man appreciates a nice meal cooked just for him. Add some candles, a nice bottle of ….

A rich history surrounds us every day, and that is no different on your wedding day. Wedding traditions are full of history, and here are some more examples. Shoes tied to a car bumper:This tradition isn’t seen as often as it used to be, and soon you will know why. Shoes were a symbol of ….

Wedding are full of traditions, from the engagement to the honeymoon. Did you ever wonder about how these traditions began? History runs deep in every part of your wedding, religious beliefs, ancestry and superstitions have helped shape weddings for thousands of years. The Bachelor Party: It first began around the 5th Century, in Sparta; they called ….

Try to remember as much as your groom wants to be married to you, planning the wedding may not excite him the way it does you. Planning your wedding can be a stressful time and sometimes all you need is someone to listen while you go over details, or a second opinion. His opinion matters ….

When it comes to registering for your wedding there are some things that you may want to know. Registering is one of the most fun parts about planning your wedding. Here are some tips that will help you on your way to registering for your big day. 1. Register Early! You can register right after you ….

Planning your proposal can be stressful. You want to make it memorable, special, perfect, and most of all you want her to say “yes!”. That means you need to give it some thought, it needs to be something that makes her feel important. The perfect proposal does not need to be expensive, it just needs ….

The economy is starting to get better, slowly, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get married. It might just mean that you need to be a little more aware of every dollar you spend. If you need some ideas of how you can help cut back on your wedding we can help. Some of these ….

If you are getting married this summer you might still be trying to find the perfect colors for your wedding. Your wedding colors could be based on anything your heart desires. You can choose your favorite colors, or your birthstone, but if you are having some trouble we can give you some help. Here are ….

Being the Mother of the Bride can be tricky, you have always dreamed of the day your little girl would get married, now that day has arrived. You want to give her all of the things you have been imagining since the moment she was born. Now that she is engaged, you actually get to ….

It is your wedding day, but unfortunately that does not mean that it is all about you. It means that you have to worry about yourself, and everyone you invited to your wedding. It is true that you can’t please everyone, but the more complaints you can avoid the happier your guests and you will ….

Snow is on the ground, and although it may not seem like it, summer is getting closer and if you are planning a summer wedding it will be here before you know it. Here are some pointers to help you plan a summer wedding, so it can go off without a hitch. It is important ….

You have now spent a quarter of a century in love with one person. What an amazing milestone! You may be trying to think of great gifts to give for this monumental occasion. The funny thing is you probably know your significant other almost as well as you know yourself, which should make buying a ….

The memories you share are countless. You have shared laughter and tears, good times and bad, but you have made it to your tenth wedding anniversary. Now you need to find a gift to show your spouse what all the memories have meant to you. Your 10 year anniversary means that you have two choices ….

You have been married for 5 years, now you want to give the best anniversary present you can. The traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift is wood. Wood leaves you with a variety of options. Here are some wonderful suggestions to show your spouse how much you love them. If you want to give something unique, ….

Excitement fills the air from the moment you get engaged, but for your Father or even Stepfather it is emotional. They are not only going to be financially paying for the wedding, but they will pay emotionally too. Sure you Father wants to see you happy, but it is sad for him, he will be ….

Your first wedding anniversary is approaching, and you want to get your significant other something memorable. You may be trying to find a gift to symbolize all of the love that you have shared during your first year of wedded bliss The traditional first anniversary gift is paper. That may leave you feeling overwhelmed with ….

This is it, the one you have been waiting for, the final installment of our series. Every bride wants her wedding day to be perfect. It is important to plan ahead to avoid mishaps. We hope you have been following along, but if not here are all 10 ways you can prevent your wedding from ….

The hair style you choose for your wedding day is such an important detail. It can change your look completely, so you need to choose carefully. You should base your hairstyle on what is flattering for your face; it should also fit your personality. It may be hard to understand the importance of your hairstyle ….

Winter is a beautiful time of year to get married. The magic of the holiday coupled with the beauty of fresh fallen snow. As you plan the details you may be trying to think of a wedding favor to reflect the season. Try to think of something that always brings you joy this time of ….

We are getting closer to the end, but not quite yet. There is a lot to be taken into consideration when listing circumstances that could affect one of the most important days of your life. Making sure you understand, while not scaring you away is imperative. A wedding is not something you plan overnight, and ….

Your wedding day is getting closer and closer. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you worried you missed something vital to a successful event? We want to help, use “How to ruin a Wedding in 10 ways” as your checklist to make sure your wedding goes just as you planned. Have an officiant with experience. Proper ….

There are many differing thoughts on electronic wedding invitations, but just as everything else, it is a matter of personal style. E-invites, cards, and announcements seem to be a growing trend, but as far as your wedding it may not be the best choice. E-invites are perfectly fine for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and save ….

We want to help you make sure your wedding is everything you dreamed of so we are giving you the top 10 things we see that could hinder your big day. In “10 ways you can prevent your wedding from going wrong, Part 1,” we outlined the top 2 ways: 1. Not having an officiant ….

You want the day you get hitched, to go off without a hitch. There is nothing worse than a wedding that doesn’t run smoothly. There are so many details to keep track of that sometimes things slip by. Having a venue that is experienced and assists in the planning of your day can ….

As Christmas gets closer you might be hoping to get the ultimate gift, a proposal, but more importantly a ring! There is always talk about planning the perfect wedding, but before that there has to be a proposal. Is there a better time of year than Christmas? The ring is a crucial part of every ….

If you’re a superfan of the Twilight series and soon getting married, you’re in luck! Now, your wedding can mirror that of characters Bella Swan and her undead love, Edward Cullen. Everyone’s jumping onboard to take advantage of fan’s obsession with the series. The latest movie release, “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1,” features ….

You have been waiting your whole life for this moment. Thinking about the person you would marry, and how you would look. Now that one of the biggest moments of your life is approaching, you need to think about the details. One of the most important is having someone capture the day, the memories and ….

From decorations to floral arrangements to invitations, the colors you choose for your wedding will show up throughout all stages of the celebration. Whether bright and bold hues or subtle pastels, color plays a big role in your wedding and reception. Seasonality When determining which colors to feature in your wedding and reception, most couples ….

Green seems almost a way of life. What better way to start yours with your partner than “going green” from the very start? If you’re looking to make your wedding more sustainable, here’s some advice: Use potted plants as centerpieces and give them away as favors Have your bridesmaids wear dresses they already have or ….

Weddings can be simple, fast and with just a few key players. On the other end of the spectrum, they can also be all-out affairs, complete with high-end wedding planners, battalions of groomsmen and bridesmaids, elaborate decorations, and dining that never seems to end. Often, the bride and groom (OK, mostly the bride) have the ….

While a wedding is often thought to be a most special time for a couple, we all know that it’s really the bride’s day. That doesn’t mean, as the new groom, you have to melt into the background. In fact, one of the most delightful parts of your day is the speech you’ll give during ….

Local = Less Expensive.Check out local venues for you big day, such as Chapel in the Pines. Your local venues will often help you find great local deals on other bridal needs, such as florists and caterers. Convert Trash to Cash. Gather all of your old clothes and collectables and have a garage sale or post ….

Planning a wedding on a budget is a common theme in today’s economy. Just because you have to watch your pennies, does not mean you have to skimp on the details. Here are a few ways to help save on cost, while adding personality to your special day. Do-It-Yourself projects will give that special, personal ….

Although this year’s Most Famous Wedding (MFW) is a thing of the past, we’re still predicting the Royals to have a huge influence on American weddings well into 2012. Wondering what all the buzz is about? Well, here’s what we think will remain popular: All-day affairs. Just like Kate and William’s, couples are extending the day ….

Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful! Between the dress, the caterer, and the flowers, a bride can become frazzled. After all of the intense planning, it is important to relax! Here are a few ways to chill out: Exercise. It’s a great way to naturally destress your body. The activity level will allow for your ….

With the average wedding costing nearly $25,000 here in the Chicagoland area, smart couples are finding news ways to keep their wedding, reception and honeymoon within smaller budgets. Looking for some ideas to control costs? Take a look: Choose the right time. Rates for weekday weddings tend to be lower than when you book a weekend. ….

As brides begin planning their Spring 2012 weddings, they’re curious as to what colors will be in style in the next six months. “Fun” is the word for early 2012 weddings and there are colors for everyone’s taste — from soft pastels to attention-grabbing neons. Bridesmaid’s dresses Looking for fun and bright? Consider Tangerine Tango. ….

Does the rehearsal dinner have you all confused? It’s one of the best parts of your wedding celebration and we’ve put together some FAQs and tips to keep you organized and on track. Q. Who is typically invited to the wedding rehearsal? A. There are no hard and fast rules, so do whatever seems right. It ….

Popular wedding advice web site, theknot.com, had a great article on winter wedding ideas the other day. We thought we’d summarize a few of the better ones here: Wedding colors. Reds and greens are easily the colors everyone thinks of for a winter wedding, but they might be more suited to a holiday wedding than one ….

In ancient Egypt, the custom of a man placing a ring on the finger of his wife first began, primarily as a sign of his confidence in her ability to care for his house. Later, in Greece and ancient Rome, a bridegroom often gave a ring to the bride’s father as a representation of his ….

We see plenty of elopements at the Chapel in the Pines. In fact, you might say we’re experts on small, impromptu wedding ceremonies. Our officiants can help you plan yours and make sure it goes off without a hitch. Here’s some advice for couples thinking about eloping. Your decision to get married in whatever way ….

While you might think the Chapel in the Pines is booked until 2012, you’d be very wrong — we have plenty of mornings, afternoons, and evenings available in 2011, on both weekdays and weekends. But if you’re dead set on 2012 and wondering what wedding trends are around the corner, we’ll let you in on ….

At the Chapel in the Pines, we do weddings all times of the day — morning, afternoon and even, yes, even in the evening. In fact, both the Chapel and our outdoor gazebo are both beautiful when decorated for a nighttime wedding. If you’re thinking of holding your ceremony (and reception) in the late hours, ….

While your MOB or GMOB might be chomping at the bit to make a wedding version of their favorite church basement upside down cake, here are some trends and alternatives for 2011 to consider: Fondant is out. We know, we know, Cake Boss is all about the fondant these days. But there’s nothing really better than ….

There’s no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding gifts, but when it comes to what to get someone for their wedding there are a few basic guidelines to follow that are hard to get wrong. In general, newlyweds will get the most use from a practical gift, but there are still opportunities ….

Sure, fall has just recently made an appearance in upstate Illinois and you might not yet be thinking of the coming holiday season. But if you’d like to get married in December (and we still have PLENTY of days and times available!), maybe a Christmas-themed wedding is the perfect option for you. To help you ….

We’ve had a few themed weddings over the years at the Chapel in the Pines and they’re always events that have their own unique style compared to your more “typical” wedding. Want something a bit out of the ordinary? Here are some ideas to get you thinking: Medieval Ages. King Arthur- or Robin Hood-style weddings present ….

While our officiants certainly have wonderful — and ready to use — wedding vows that can be adapted in a pinch to you and your partner, you might want to consider writing your own to add yet another personal dimension to your special day. Many couples find just starting the process of creating your vows ….

We talk quite a bit about brides here on the Memories at the Pines blog, but today we thought we’d give the guys some attention. If you’re a groom and looking to thank you favorite fellas for all they’re about to do for you, you could go with tradition and get them a pair of ….

Everyone has their favorite color, so when it comes to planning a wedding you may assume that those favorites should come into play. That is not always the case. There are so many more things that you need to take into consideration while trying to decide the perfect colors to pick for your wedding. ….

Here’s something interesting we stumbled upon the other day —an infographic about the true cost of a wedding, all laid out in a neat graphical format. A few things we saw that surprised us: Cost. The average cost for a wedding is $27,000! The sky’s the limit when you’re planning your special day, but we can ….

Everyone knows the old joke that the bride picks out horrid bridesmaid dresses to make herself look better, however that isn’t typically what motivates the bride to pick out these disasters. What happens is that the bride doesn’t think about all the different shapes and sizes that she has in her wedding. She goes to ….

We may all be sweltering under the summer heat here in the Midwest, but cooler weather will soon be upon us. And what better time to have a wedding, especially one outdoors? 14% of weddings take place in September, which is actually the most popular for weddings (for the record, 12% take place in October ….

There’s probably no event more social than your wedding. So it makes sense that today’s brides (and even their grooms) are using social networks like Facebook help with their planning, communication and even during the event. Traditionally, couples would just send out their invitations via U.S. Mail and that would be the end any interaction ….

The absolute most important thing to remember when you are up on that alter is that the person that is next to you is marrying you for YOU. There is no reason to try and go above and beyond in an attempt to dazzle people in a way that is not natural. It’s imperative that ….

Wedding favors show appreciation and gratitude to your guests who are witnessing and sharing your most special day. Why not give them something to remember your day each spring and summer? Seed packets are the latest rave in wedding favors and they’re the perfect flowery gesture to show your guests how much you appreciate their ….

When you’re interviewing a wedding photographer, you probably get right to the most common questions — Are you available on that date? What packages are there? How much will it cost? These are all important, but there are five questions every bride and groom should also ask. 1. Who is going to be the photographer ….

Most women get caught up in the hype of looking absolutely perfect on their wedding day. They spend hours looking for the perfect dress. They do many trials with different makeup and hairstyles. They even go as far as to make sure their nails are flawless. So the question must be asked, “what about shoes?” ….

Looking for a creative wedding reception centerpiece idea? Try the newest trend in weddings, tablescaping. Tablescaping isn’t really something that new — it’s an idea that’s been around for years, but has suddenly taken become popular with couples looking to make their wedding festivities more intimate. Tablescaping allows the bride and groom to personalize ….

Imagine yourself under the stars, you have the beautiful sound of the crickets chirping, the lovely aesthetics of glowing lights and candles, and you have your loved one standing in front of you. It is beginning to become more and more common for people to take part in night time weddings. Weddings at night are ….

When a loved one passes it’s important to pick a nice, peaceful place to celebrate the life they once lived. There isn’t a more serenity-filled place than Chapel in the Pines. And our Amber Pines banquet hall is big enough to hold your family and friends, and will also have some additional room for a ….

If you are a looking for something a little different than the typical Friday night hot spots, then you should head on over to Amber Pines for their fashion show. The show will take place tonight, June 17th. This isn’t your ordinary fashion show, and there are sure to be things that the whole family ….

What we mean is, here’sanother way to make the memory of your wedding day permanent. When you visit the Chapel in the Pines, you’ll doubtless walk over unique feature we added many years ago as you approach our chapel — a pathway of engraved bricks. To commemorate any touchstone in your life, the Chapel in the ….

More and more, brides and grooms are choosing custom-designed invitations over the plain old varieties so common through stationers, print shops and at gift card businesses. We’re always on the look-out for unusual invitation ideas that are clever and portray the character of the couple. Here are a few we’ve seen at a new wedding ….

In September 2008, the Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore asked the Petersen’s if they would house Jack Hanna, a few trucks, some of his wild animal handlers and many exotic animals for an upcoming show. Of course the Petersen’s said a very enthusiastic “yes!” They had always enjoyed Jack’s TV appearances and commentaries ….

As the story goes, Donna asked her husband, Howard Petersen, to build her a small church on their rural Sycamore, Illinois property. The Petersen’s then told two Sycamore couples about their proposed project. A few days later the Scotts and Jacabosons came to the Petersen’s home with an easel, poster board and lots of ideas. ….

We’ve all heard the phrase and remember it as a pivotal scene in the movie, “Four Weddings and Funeral,” but what happens when someone from the audience objects? One solution to this most unfortunate event is for the officiant to pause the ceremony and then call the bride, groom and objector to a private room ….

It’s the last thing you want to happen on your Big Day. Something gets forgotten. Some place forgot they were getting you something or it’s not what you expected or agreed to. Or someone doesn’t get along with someone else. Rarely do weddings go off perfectly; there’s always some small mishap that ends up not ….

Hey, if the the Royals can do it, why not you? We’re not saying that William and Kate (oops, Catherine) are inviting the world to their wedding at the end of this month, but, well, in a way, they are. Check out this video on YouTube where everyone is invited to watch the wedding — ….

We are so in love with this idea! A simple, down to earth outdoor wedding. This chic idea is perfect for our outdoor gazebo. Lay out blankets on the lush grass and place picnic baskets filled with flowers or fruit at the end of every row. Jam jars wrapped with checkered napkins and filled with sunflowers ….

You met the perfect guy/gal.Now seems to be the right time — or you’re just looking to avoid all the planning, expense and drama larger weddings sometimes bring. If an elopement is the right decision for you, you’re in luck! At Chapel in the Pines, we do elopements all the time, especially in the evenings and ….

The Chapel in the Pines has just launched our YouTube Channel— a great place to go a get wedding advice and, soon, view videos of ceremonies, celebrations and events that have happened at our chapel and banquet hall. Take a look and notice that we’ve recently created a playlist of fantastic wedding advice videos from Debbie Tannacore, ….

Overnight, your relationship status went from “in a relationship” to “engaged” and now everyone is saying “congrats” on Facebook. Seems like a super-wonderful time, right? Well, what about when that long-lost friend or relative you barely know says they can hardly wait for the wedding (that you weren’t going to invite them to)? Here are ….

Everyone will tell you, try to keep calm on your wedding day. Sure, little things may go wrong, but usually there’s not much you personally can do about these. Not everything will go perfect. Now here’s some advice: If you’re a planner, build in some “down time” and “cushion time” throughout the day. Allowing yourself ….

It’s a tradition (though less so in recent years) for brides to wear white on their wedding day. But just when, where and why did this tradition start? With all due respect to 80′s pop icon, Billy Idol, the term “whitte wedding” originates from the white color of the wedding dress, first popular with Victorian ….

Whether your wedding is large and extravagant or small and simple, there’s an etiquette that is important to follow. With new traditions replacing old observances and changes in family structures giving way to questions our mothers — and fathers — didn’t have to face, we’ve provided some sensible solutions to wedding questions old and new. ….

Whether funny, tragic or tragically funny, movies about weddings are always entertaining to watch. What’s your favorite movie or movies about weddings, receptions and anything else related to this special day? Respond in the comment section below and we’ll post a follow-up article with everyone’s picks. Here are our favorites: Father of the Bride Four ….

Sure, you might be putting a lot of time and energy into the particulars of your wedding — the venue, officiant, your dress, your bridesmaid’s dresses, the wedding shower, photographer, the flowers, the rings, whether your husband-to-be will be on time…. But we’ve seen enough receptions by now to come up with a list of ….

Your special day is just around the corner and — oops! — you’ve forgotten to get gifts for your bridesmaids. Well, here are a few great (and quick!) ideas for the BFFs that will keep you calm, keep you collected and keep you from fainting on your wedding day. Handmades for the handmaids You can ….

Book the Chapel in the Pines for your upcoming wedding. Check. Reserve the Amber Pines Banquet Center for your reception. Got it. Now where to go on the honeymoon? Here are the top caribbean honeymoon destinations, as told by TheKnot.com, popular online wedding planning web site. Check these places out — our favorite is the ….

We’ve all heard of the blunders, mistakes and oops! that have occurred during one of the most memorable days a couple will have. Take a look at five mistakes we’ve encountered and then share your own by posting a comment at the end of the article. 1. Planning your wedding exactly the way your mom ….

With 2011 quickly underway and the spring wedding season just weeks away, we thought we’d share some wedding trends we’ve read about recently. From wedding and reception venues to themes and colors, read on and gain some inspiration. Simple vintage is back. Brides are bringing back the traditions and styles of their mothers and even grandmothers. ….

Interesting story we found a few months back on CNN.comabout a new trend, the charitable wedding. The article starts off with a story about a bride that gave each guest a “thank you” gift that included a small bag of chocolates and a card noting that a donation had been made to the Wounded Warriors Project, ….

Almost all weddings — even one best described as “simple” — have a theme to them: the color and style of the bridesmaid’s dresses, flowers used in bouquets and boutonnieres, the appearance of your invitations and even the type of food served. The centerpiece on your reception tables certainly is a big part of the ….